We couldn’t resist. Today we decided we had to bird for a couple of hours at the parks at Lake Nasworthy. The heck with cleaning up the house. We are pretty much ready anyway, for our upcoming trip to Fort Davis, leaving Thursday morning.
So away we went. I think I will give you the good news first. We saw a Lesser Black-backed Gull. A very rare bird for this area, possibly the first reported sighting. It was hanging with about 100 Ring-billed Gulls, so I spotted it also immediately, although I didn’t know what it was. I snapped a couple of photos and sent them to Eric Carpenter, my go-to guy at Texas Ornithological Society. He e-mailed back to me a definite confirmation.
Now the bad news. Although it is a lifer for me, number 277, it was not my 200th on my 2014 Big Year List. A friend of mine noticed that I had listed Eastern Wood Pewee twice on the list, so I am back to 199.
But possibly more good news. We have been informed that there is a Lewis’s Woodpecker hanging around the north entry to San Angelo State Park. So I have a feeling that we will be checking it out Wednesday morning. That would be number 200 if we can spot it.
While I am writing this, I might as well include some nice photos from today.
Then one more that I forgot to post yesterday.
So now I think that will be my last post before we leave for Fort Davis. But, I think that is what I said yesterday…… 🙂
Glad the double listing was spotted before the goal was reached…THAT would have been a bummer for sure! Hope you and Ann get at least 2 new birds on the trip….you know, just to be safe!
hugs
Thanks, Deb. You know that we will get ’em. 🙂
I always love reading your blog! So sorry that I have not met up with you & Ann lately. Switched jobs and haven’t been out birding much the last few weeks. I am holding onto that calendar for you. Wishing you a very safe & fun trip. Can’t wait to see the pics. Hugs!
Thanks, Christie. We gotta get together when we get back from Fort Davis. I will get that calendr from you then. 🙂
Excellent photos, Bob – and go get that woodpecker! Good luck! 🙂
Thanks, Jo. 🙂
Congratulations on the gull! Great find and photos.
Thanks, Carolyn, I appreciate your comment.
Beautiful shots today. Have a safe trip and good luck with #200.
Thanks very much, Alison. I appreciate it. 🙂
Good luck Bob! Go get it! 🙂
Thanks, H.J.
Great shot of the Black-crowned Night-Heron. Good luck tomorrow with the Lewis’ Woodpecker.
Thanks, Dave. Yes, I will go on the chase tomorrow morning. 🙂